ElaineJoyceGraham

Elaine Joyce Graham, 85, of West Des Moines passed away on February 5, 2013 at her home. She was born on December 26, 1927 in Jackson, MN at home during a snowstorm. Her parents were Karl and Genevieve Carlson.

Elaine graduated from Mankato State Teachers College with a degree in Education and was an elementary school teacher for many years. She married Dean Graham on June 18, 1954 and later worked side by side with with him at Dean Graham Insurance.

Elaine was a woman of many talents. She achieved Gold Life Master status in duplicate bridge. She was very creative and artistic and had a flair for interior decorating. Other passions included her love of dogs, working on the computer, genealogy, trying new recipes, and travel. She was a dedicated volunteer for the Des Moines FreeStore.

She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and sister, who was always willing to lend a helping hand to those she loved.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 44 years, Dean Graham; her parents Karl and Genevieve Carlson; and her beloved dog Sassie Marie. Survivors include her daughters Cheri (Terry) Box of Denver, CO, Debra Graham of Washington, DC, Kim (Eric DuBois) Comer of Des Moines, IA; six grandchildren, Ashley Comer of Clive, IA, Heidi Box, Michelle Box, Jason Box, Justin Box, and Tyler Box, all of Denver, CO; and her brothers Dean Carlson of Cedar Ridge, CA, and Gerald Carlson of Savannah, GA; three nephews and a niece, and her beloved dog Sweetie and granddogs Riley, Gabbie, and Daisy.

Visitation will be held from 3-5 p.m. on Sunday, February 10, at Iles Funeral Homes-Westover Chapel. Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, February 11, at Iles Funeral Homes-Westover Chapel with burial following at Resthaven Cemetery. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Animal Rescue League of Iowa. Online condolences may be sent to IlesCares.com.

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